Choose the Cable Termination That Fits Both Ends

The cable fits, but the lug won't go over the stud. Or the eyelet fits perfectly while the conductor slips inside the barrel. Matson crimp lugs solve a precise purchasing problem: matching the cable's conductor size to a correctly sized ring termination & mounting hole.

Industrial Shed's Matson Crimp Lugs collection covers a range of automotive electrical connection sizes, from smaller accessory cable terminations to larger battery & equipment wiring applications.

For preparing cable ends, explore Cutting Tools. To investigate poor electrical connections or voltage drop, browse Testing & Measurement Tools.

Two measurements should lead every purchase: conductor cross-section & stud-hole diameter. The crimping method & complete circuit requirements come next.

What Are Matson Crimp Lugs?

A crimp lug is a conductive cable termination with a barrel for the stripped conductor & a ring-shaped eyelet for connection to a suitable stud or bolt.

Once the conductor is inserted, the barrel is compressed using an approved crimping tool & die. The completed termination should provide a secure mechanical & electrical connection when installed correctly.

Matson's heavy-duty plated copper crimp-lug family is also described by the manufacturer as suitable for crimp or solder connections, depending on the specific component & approved installation procedure.

A crimp lug differs from a battery-post terminal. The lug normally connects to a bolted electrical point, while a battery terminal clamps directly onto a compatible battery post.

Why Are Cable Size & Stud Size Separate?

A cable may have a 25mm² nominal designation, but the mounting stud might be 6mm, 8mm or 10mm.

Changing the stud-hole size doesn't change the cable's conductor area. Likewise, selecting a larger barrel doesn't make an undersized cable suitable for higher current.

The right lug must fit both interfaces without modification.

Why Choose Matson Crimp Lugs?

Multiple Cable-Size Families

Industrial Shed lists Matson lug variants covering nominal sizes such as 6, 16, 25, 35, 50, 70 & 95.

These product families help buyers navigate the range, but the manufacturer also publishes detailed conductor cross-section data. Verify the cable specification when matching a particular lug.

Different Eyelet Diameters

Matson offers multiple stud-hole sizes within several conductor families.

For example, a 25-series lug with an 8mm hole serves a different mounting point from a 25-series lug with a 10mm hole.

Copper Construction

Matson's heavy-duty plated copper lug range is manufacturer-described as using copper terminals with a plated finish.

Correct material selection matters, particularly where different metals, moisture or demanding environmental conditions may affect the connection.

Small Repair Quantities

Many of the collection's part numbers end in BL2, identifying two-piece blister packs.

A small pack can suit an individual repair or cable assembly without requiring a workshop to buy a large quantity of one specialised size.

Common Applications

Battery Cable Repairs

A damaged battery cable end may require a replacement lug when the conductor remains suitable for repair.

Select the barrel for the cable & the eyelet for the battery terminal's connection stud. The repair must also satisfy the original electrical design.

Starter-Motor Cable Connections

Starter circuits can draw substantial current during engine cranking. Incorrectly fitted lugs may contribute to resistance, voltage drop & overheating.

The cable, lug, crimp method & bolted connection must be assessed together. For an insight into real automotive service work, read A Day With Automotive Mechanic.

4WD Auxiliary Battery Wiring

Auxiliary battery systems often use bolted power-distribution points. Cable lugs can form part of these installations where their size & electrical characteristics are suitable.

Before selecting a lug, establish circuit current, cable length, protection requirements & mounting dimensions.

Engine & Chassis Earth Connections

A ring lug can terminate a suitable insulated earth cable at a chassis or equipment grounding point.

The contact surface, bolt arrangement & conductor size all influence the quality of the completed return path.

For connection hardware, browse Bolts & Fasteners.

Workshop Cable Fabrication

A technician making a replacement lead may already know the cable's nominal size but still need to measure the terminal stud.

A 35-series lug with an 8mm hole is a different item from one with a 10mm hole. Recording both dimensions helps prevent incorrect orders.

Commercial Vehicle Electrical Repairs

Fleet vehicles & equipment may use larger conductors or different connection arrangements than passenger cars.

Select lugs from the actual circuit specification rather than assuming the largest available option is safest.

Product Selection Guide

Matson Crimp Lug Size Comparison

The table identifies manufacturer part-number families & stud-hole options. Confirm the exact product is available in the collection before ordering.

Understanding Matson's Nominal Size Codes

Matson's published catalogue provides more precise conductor cross-section figures than the abbreviated product-family names might suggest.

This distinction matters when the conductor is specified by an exact cross-sectional area or gauge. Compare the manufacturer's dimensions with the actual cable rather than assuming every nominal family name is an exact metric measurement.

Read the Part Number Correctly

Consider MA70-10BL2:

► MA70: The manufacturer's nominal conductor family.
► 10: The 10mm stud-hole option.
► BL2: A two-piece blister-pack format.

That code is a useful purchasing shortcut, but it doesn't replace the need to confirm conductor compatibility, material & crimping requirements.

Small Cable Terminations

Smaller lug families can suit compatible lower-current connections, depending on the circuit design.

Select the conductor first. The electrical load, allowable voltage drop, cable length & installation conditions determine the appropriate cable—not the appearance of the lug.

Mid-Size Battery Cable Lugs

The MA25 & MA35 families include several mounting-hole choices. These are useful when making leads for equipment with different terminal studs.

A 10mm eyelet must not be drilled into an 8mm lug unless the manufacturer specifically permits modification.

Larger Cable Lugs

The MA50, MA70 & MA95 families provide options for larger conductors.

Larger barrels require compatible crimping equipment. A tool intended for small electrical terminals may not be capable of producing the correct compression on heavy-duty cable lugs.

Choosing Crimping Equipment

A reliable crimp requires the correct tool, die & procedure for the lug.

Ordinary gripping pliers are not a substitute for a suitable crimping tool. For complementary handling work, explore Pliers, while selecting dedicated crimping equipment separately.

Final Connection Hardware

The eyelet must sit properly against the designated electrical contact surface & be secured with compatible hardware.

For suitable installation tools, browse Wrenches & Spanners.

Expert Tips

Measure the Actual Conductor

Cable insulation thickness is not a reliable indicator of conductor cross-section.

Use the cable manufacturer's markings or specifications, especially when working with B&S or other gauge systems.

Verify the Mounting Stud

The conductor can be correctly sized while the lug's eyelet is still wrong.

Check the stud before ordering & confirm that the finished lug has adequate clearance within the terminal assembly.

Strip Cable Without Damaging Strands

Nickel-sized cuts or missing conductor strands can weaken a cable termination. Strip the insulation to the required length without damaging the metal conductor.

Keep the prepared cable clean before inserting it into the barrel.

Follow the Approved Termination Method

Matson describes its plated copper lug family as suitable for crimp or solder connections, but the correct procedure depends on the component & installation.

Use manufacturer-approved tooling & avoid mixing methods without technical justification.

Support the Cable Behind the Lug

A cable hanging from its terminal can place repeated bending stress on the conductor.

Provide suitable routing, strain relief & protection against abrasion or vibration.

Inspect the Bolted Joint

A correctly crimped lug may still perform poorly if the mounting surface is contaminated or the fastener is loose.

For broader guidance on fastening quality, read Why Good Fasteners Matter.

Keep Different Sizes Clearly Labelled

Several Matson lugs can look similar when removed from their packaging.

Use Portable Organisers to separate cable sizes & stud-hole variants. For a broader workshop layout, explore Tool Storage.

Recheck the Circuit After Repairs

A new lug doesn't automatically solve a charging or starting fault. Check the completed connection & investigate abnormal voltage drop or heat under appropriate conditions.

For background on identifying correct fasteners & connection hardware, read Fastener Guide.